Chilly winds greeted us as we arrived in Kampini, located in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital. The early morning air was crisp, hinting at the warmth to come as the sun began its ascent. Amidst the mist, people in Kampini were already busy preparing for the day ahead. Among them was Chikondi Banda, a young man from the Njewa area in Lilongwe. Chikondi is changing Kampini through his innovative approach to horticultural farming.
Just three years ago, Chikondi found himself at a crossroads. With limited education, skills, and job prospects, he struggled to make ends meet.
“I felt stuck, unsure of how to break free from the cycle of poverty,” he recalls.
All this changed when he learned about Tingathe’s vocational training program in Mtandire.
Tingathe, a local organisation, empowers vulnerable communities through education and skills development. It has established a vocational training center in Mtandire benefiting the youth from surrounding areas like Njewa where Chikondi’s home is.
The vocational training program offers various courses, including horticulture, carpentry and joinery, tailoring and fashion design, and entrepreneurship, equipping participants like Chikondi with practical skills and the confidence needed to rebuild their lives.
“I chose horticulture because farming has always been my passion,” Chikondi shares with a smile. “Through the training, I learned skills such as plant caring, composting, soil management, pest and disease control, irrigation techniques, and plant nutrition. I also gained practical knowledge in pruning, landscaping, and running a farming business.”
After graduating from the program, Chikondi moved to Kampini, where he established his farm. He started small but the farm flourished under his care, employing organic farming methods learned during his training at Tingathe to increase his yields.
“I never imagined I could achieve this,” he admits, a smile spreading across his face. “But with the support and training I received, I now have a stable income and can provide for myself and others.”
Chikondi’s success extends beyond economic stability. His farm creates employment opportunities for youth in Kampini, reducing unemployment in the community. He also pays school fees for two students, ensuring they have the educational opportunities he once dreamt of. Chikondi also contributes to his community by teaching sustainable farming methods through free workshops which have improved agriculture and livelihoods in Kampini.
Chikondi is just one of the many success stories emerging from vocational education. As more individuals like him embrace the opportunities offered by vocational training, the ripple effects are being felt by many including those in their communities.
Tingathe continues to expand its programs, aiming to lift more families out of poverty and into sustainable livelihoods. It empowers various groups, including women entrepreneurs and youth, to become catalysts for change in their communities.
As the sun rises higher in the sky, Chikondi focuses on irrigating his crops with determination.
“I am grateful for the chance to learn and grow,” he says, his words echoing the sentiments of many who have found renewed hope through vocational training.
Chikondi has demonstrated how education and opportunity can change lives. Starting with limited opportunities, he now flourishes in Kampini, cultivating crops, creating opportunities as well as supporting the education of others. For him, it is all about paying it forward.